Work

When neuroglial tissue wanders: a unique case report of subpleural heterotopia in a triploid foetus and review of the literature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Heterotopic occurrence of neuroglial tissue is an exceedingly rare phenomenon with unclear pathogenesis, often presenting as lesions outside the central nervous system (CNS). We report a unique case of heterotopic neuroglial tissue identified in the thoracic cavity of a fetus aborted at 14 weeks due to a suspected Dandy-Walker malformation. The fetus exhibited neuroglial tissue growth subpleurally, alongside a suspected Dandy-Walker malformation and ventricular septal defect. While theories such as vascular embolisation, aspiration, and aberrant migration attempt to explain such occurrences, the exact etiology remains elusive. Our case suggests a potential association between triploidy and neuroglial heterotopia, supporting the aberrant migration and differentiation theory.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1598144